Specialist (Outpatients) Clinics

Information is available on HealthPathways Melbourne for assistance in managing your patient’s condition. This includes what investigations you need to perform prior to referring to a specialist and what information you need to include in the referral.

If you require login access to HealthPathways, contact info@healthpathwaysmelbourne.org.au.

Submitting a referral

We prefer to receive electronic referrals (eReferrals) utilising your clinical software system. When you send eReferrals, you will receive immediate confirmation that we have successfully received your referral – giving you and your patient ease of mind.

If you would like assistance in enabling this technology for your practice please contact the Eastern Melbourne Primary Healthcare Network on (03) 9046 0300.

For any queries relating to HealthLink SmartForms or to have this solution enabled within your clinical software system, please contact HealthLink on 1800 125 036 or Helpdesk@healthlink.net

Referrals are also accepted by fax or mail, using the GP Referral Templates

Referral process

Step 1 - Screening

Referrals for all sites are received by the central Specialist Clinics Referrals and Bookings Management Team
If you sent an eReferral, you will receive an immediate confirmation in your clinical software that it has been received
If you faxed a referral, we are unable to send confirmation of referral receipt

Step 2 – Triage and Clinical Prioritisation

Referral information is screened against state referral criteria and local health service acceptance criteria
Patients requiring an urgent consultation will be seen within 30 calendar days
Patients requiring a routine consultation will be seen at the next available non-urgent appointment or placed on a waiting list

Step 3 – Appointment/ Waitlist Notification

Patients will receive either a text or letter notification of their appointment details, or if they have been placed on a waiting list.
You will be notified if your referral has been accepted or declined by fax

Resources for Eastern Health Employees